The Ashen jurell, a subrace of the greater Jurell lineage, shared an ancient and profound connection with the very earth from which they were spawned. Much like their counterparts, the Earthen jurell, who thrived in the mountainous regions and fertile valleys of Eos, the Ashen jurell had origins that stretched deep into the mantle of the world. This subrace, however, found its dominion in the Everdeep, a vast and labyrinthine network of caverns and dungeons beneath the surface of Eos. Over the centuries, they forged a civilization that blended ingenuity with the rugged beauty of their subterranean homeland.

Description

The Ashen jurell were the shortest among their kind, standing at an average height of 5 feet, a physical adaptation well-suited to the narrow tunnels and cramped caverns they often inhabited. Their skin, varying in shades from pale gray to dark slate, bore a unique resemblance to ash. At a glance, their skin appeared weathered and wrinkled, though these attributes were present even in their youth, giving them an air of ancientness despite their actual age.

Their hair, always either gray or white, flowed like strands of mist or fog, complementing their unusual appearance. The Ashen Jurell’s eyes ranged from vibrant, electric blues to pale silver, creating an ethereal contrast against their muted skin. These striking features made them stand out even in the dim, shadowed environments of the Everdeep. Their vision was remarkably adapted to the near-total darkness of the subterranean world, allowing them to see where others would be blind.

Common Characteristics

In addition to their physical traits, the Ashen jurell were revered for their ability to navigate the intricate cave systems that sprawled beneath Eos. Their sense of direction underground was unparalleled, and they could traverse the most complex dungeons without losing their way. They were highly skilled craftspeople, known for creating sophisticated weaponry, tools, and mechanical devices that served them both in everyday life and in times of conflict. These talents extended to their love of working with their hands, whether forging weapons, carving stone, or designing grand structures underground.

Given the unique genetic composition of Ashen flesh, these jurell were naturally resistant to heat and fire. In battle, the Ashen jurell were known for their practical approach. Their technical prowess made them exceptional tactical technicians, and they could craft specialized equipment on the battlefield, given the right materials. Their innate strength and skill in hand-to-hand combat complemented this, allowing them to hold their own in direct conflict. However, it was their ability to adapt and craft that made them invaluable in warfare, often outwitting their enemies with cleverly designed traps and improvised weaponry.

Everdeep

The Everdeep was the heart of Ashen jurell civilization. This majestic underworld, made entirely of stone, rock, and crystal, spanned across countless miles beneath the surface of Eos. It was a land of immense caverns, some so large they could hold entire cities within them. The Ashen jurell built their homes here, crafting towering stone structures that blended seamlessly with the natural formations of the caves. These subterranean cities, illuminated by glowing crystals embedded within the rock, were marvels of architecture, with massive bridges spanning cavernous abysses and stairways carved directly into the sides of cliffs.

The cities of the Everdeep stretched far and wide, often connected by intricate tunnel systems. Despite the harsh environment, the Ashen jurell thrived, drawing on the abundant resources of the underground to fuel their industry and craft. The natural beauty of the Everdeep, with its crystal formations and underground rivers, was revered by the Ashen jurell, and they viewed their subterranean homeland as sacred.

While many Ashen jurell chose to remain in the Everdeep, some ventured to the surface world over time. Surface-dwelling Ashen jurell learned to adapt to life above ground, though they often remained close to mountains or cave entrances, never straying too far from their origins. Even those who lived on the surface maintained strong ties to their kin below, and they brought their unique skills and crafts with them, sharing their talents with other surface races.

Pagan Spirituality

The Ashen jurell held deep-rooted pagan beliefs, drawn from the very world beneath their feet. Their spirituality revolved around the creatures and forces that inhabited the subterranean realms. They revered the ancient beasts that prowled the dark caverns, seeing them not as mere animals, but as manifestations of the earth’s primal energy. To the Ashen jurell, these creatures embodied the spirit of the Everdeep, serving as both protectors and harbingers of its secrets.

They found their spiritual solace within the natural elements of their world: the stone, the crystal, and the underground rivers that pulsed through the caverns like veins of the earth itself. They believed that by honoring these elements and the creatures that lived alongside them, they maintained balance with the world below ground. Rituals often took place in the depths of the caves, where they communed with the spirits of the underworld through offerings of stone carvings, crafted tools, or the bones of hunted creatures.

Unlike many surface-dwelling peoples, the Ashen jurell did not worship gods of the sky or heavens. Instead, their deities were the ancient forces that shaped the underground world—the shifting stone, the hidden fire, and the dark, unseen waters. These beliefs made them a deeply spiritual people, connected not just to the physical world beneath Eos but to the ancient energies that moved through it.

Moral Ambiguity